Breast Reduction vs. Breast Lift: What’s the Difference?

Breast augmentation isn’t the only option when it comes to enhancing or improving the appearance of your breasts. If you’d like to reposition, reduce or reshape your breasts, a breast lift or breast reduction may be the best solution.

But if you’re not quite sure what the difference is between these two procedures, much less decide which could be right for you, take a look at the main differences and similarities between a breast lift and reduction.

When You Might Want a Breast Reduction

Although a breast reduction and breast lift do have some similarities, your goals for your final outcome will determine which one of these procedures will be the best fit for you. If you would like your breasts to be smaller than they currently are, a breast reduction is likely going to make the most sense for you.

For some women, too much breast tissue, a condition called macromastia, interferes with their daily life and can cause back, neck and shoulder pain. For example, very large breasts could make exercise uncomfortable, or prevent you from wearing certain types of clothing. If this is the case for you, you might consider getting a breast reduction to help you feel more comfortable and allow you to be move more freely.

A breast reduction can help to correct breast asymmetry by reducing the size of the larger breast.

When You Might Want a Breast Lift

A breast lift primarily changes the position of your breasts to create a firmer, more youthful appearance. Breast ptosis, or sagging, is typically addressed using a breast lift or combination breast lift and breast reduction/augmentation.

Although a breast lift doesn’t necessarily remove breast tissue, it can sometimes make your breasts appear slightly smaller, (as much as a half cup size) due to their new higher position on your chest wall. For this reason, some women choose to add breast implants to their breast lift. Others who may want to reduce their breast size mayinclude a breast reduction instead.

Making Your Final Decision

Choosing between a breast lift and a breast reduction might seem like a difficult decision, but once you clearly identify your specific goals, your decision should become much easier. If you’re having trouble, ask yourself these questions:

Do you feel that your breasts are too large for the rest of your body proportions?

Do you struggle with back, neck or shoulder pain?

Do your bra straps often leave indents or redness at the tops of your shoulders?

Does the size of your breasts keep you from exercising or wearing certain clothing?

Is one of your breasts significantly larger than the other?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you could be a good candidate for a breast reduction. On the other hand, ask yourself these questions to determine whether a breast lift may be the better option:

Do you have substantial skin laxity in your breast area?

Do your areolas sit below the natural crease of your breasts?

Do your nipples point downward?

Do you wish your breasts were perkier?

Ultimately, if you’re on the fence between a breast lift or breast reduction, sit down with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and help you decide. Just be sure to choose someone who has plenty of experience performing both of these procedures to maximize your breast enhancement results.